Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks #124 of 223 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $449.99 and is still sold new; the Dayton Audio MK602X ranks #212 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate choice. Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.64 against 4.39 for the Dayton Audio MK602X. Watch for: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot (even hotter than the original Klipsch RP-600M in some respects) and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced.
What the Dayton Audio MK602X does well: An inexpensive compact Dayton bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer, decent bass for its size and a tidy cabinet. The tradeoff: The top end sits roughly 5dB above the midband, producing brightness that can masquerade as detail.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Dayton Audio MK602X is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals.
An inexpensive compact Dayton bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer, decent bass for its size and a tidy cabinet.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Dayton Audio MK602X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $149 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #124 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #212 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 15.1”H x 8.6”W x 11.8”D |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified; Erin’s impedance measurement confirms a low-impedance load) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 6.5” glass-fiber midwoofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 4.39 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 6.91 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Klipsch RP-600M II (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Dayton Audio MK602X (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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